How to Become an Optician in West Virginia

Becoming an optician is a good idea if you are searching for a new career path.

But, how can you secure your first job?

To learn more, all you need to do is read the article below.

We will provide info on licensing and education for anyone wanting to be an optician in West Virginia.

Optician Job Duties

Individuals with impaired vision typically visit an eye physician for an examination, followed by a trip to an optician to get the perfect eyewear.

Opticians play a crucial role in assisting customers in the careful selection of eyewear tailored to their needs, personal preferences, budget constraints, and even the latest fashion trends.

Outlined below are the daily responsibilities that you’ll handle, with the possibility of additional tasks being incorporated:

• Preparing eyewear
• Conducting fittings and adjustments for optimal comfort
• Providing customers with insights on eyewear-related issues and maintenance
• Maintaining meticulous sales records
• Calculating insurance co-pays for transparency in financial transactions
• Managing inventory to ensure a well-stocked and varied selection
• Collaborating with lens manufacturing labs to facilitate smooth operations

It’s important to note that as an optician, your role does not extend to inspecting eyes or prescribing eyewear.

Optician Training in West Virginia

Gaining certification often requires dedicated training.

Borough of Manhattan Community College 

This community college offers a fully online optician training program with open enrollment, allowing students to start at any time without specific requirements.

Upon completion of the course, students will be well-prepared for the ABO certification exam.

The topics covered in the program include:

• Simple math and algebra
• Soft contact lenses
• Gas-permeable contact lenses
• Legal responsibilities and ethics
• The parts of the eye
• Refractive errors
• Strabismus and amblyopia
• Other common ocular conditions
• Prism basics

Marshall University

The school provides a four-year pre-optometry course and serves as a foundational step for students.

After you finish the program, you can pursue advanced degrees at universities outside the state.

As a future student, you need to meet the enrollment criteria.

The requirements include:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Completion of specified classes with a minimum grade of C
• Submission of two letters of recommendation
• Up-to-date OAT scores (not older than 5 years)
• A minimum GPA of 2.75

Among the diverse classes awaiting enrolled students are:

• Introduction to Optometry
• Ocular Anatomy,
• Systems 1: Neuroscience
• Ocular Microbiology,
• Ophthalmic Imaging
• Public Health Optometry
• Glaucoma
• Physics.

This program prepares students for a fulfilling career in optometry.

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in West Virginia

The authority granting licenses in this field is The West Virginia Board of Optometry.

To secure one, certain criteria must be met:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of the NBEO exam
• Successful completion of the state law exam

The NBEO exam encompasses subjects such as:

• Applied basic science
• Patient assessment and management
• Clinical skills
• Treatment and management of ocular disease

For those opting for ABO-NCLE certification, a total fee of $400 covers the two exams.

These have varying difficulty levels:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced.

These exams are designed for different aspects of the optical field, with one focusing on working with glasses and the other on working with contact lenses.

The ABO exam necessitates knowledge in:

• Reading prescriptions,
• Fitting and dispensing spectacles
• Using standard ophthalmic equipment

The NCLE exam covers the following topics:

• Pre-fitting for lenses,
• Diagnostic fitting,
• Dispensing of lenses,
• Patient education,
• Delivery
• Follow-up

Optician Certification Renewal

Once certified, the ABO-NCLE designation remains valid for three years.

To keep working, you will need to renew your license.

The process entails further hours of continuing education to keep up to date with industry updates.

Licenses granted on June 30 have a validity of 12 months,

For your license to remain valid, you will have to take 43 hours of continuing education.

These hours should be accumulated over 24 months.

These extra education hours are split into different categories.

Out of these, 12 hours should cover pharmacology or therapeutics.

They should not exceed 6 hours in practice management.

Ten hours can be attended online or through correspondence.

Optician Salary in West Virginia

After getting your certification, you will be ready to start working.

In terms of compensation, the average annual salary for opticians in West Virginia stands at approximately $47,800.

The salary you will earn also depends on factors such as location and your level of experience in the field.

If you want to learn more about the salaries of opticians in this state, check out the following table.

Regional Salary in West Virginia

Optician Schools by State